Salt River Fields

Challenge

The Salt River Fields complex was operating with equipment from
three different vendors, controls from yet another, and two separate
contractors servicing the mechanical and controls systems. As a result
of the assortment, the facility was experiencing inconsistencies,
inefficiencies and excessive energy consumption. Facility managers
sought to streamline operations, and reduce energy and operational costs.

Solution

Although none of the equipment or controls were Trane products, Salt
River Fields was familiar with Trane’s professional service operations
and contacted the company to discuss its challenges. The Trane team
presented a solution that included both mechanical and controls
service, and the addition of Intelligent Services from the Trane
Building Advantage™ portfolio of energy services. The Trane
presentation included real life examples of Intelligent Services
Building Performance reports demonstrating operational improvements
and energy reductions. Realizing the value of a one-stop-shop for both
its mechanical and controls service, and the enhanced energy
management capabilities provided by Trane Intelligent Services, Salt
River Fields selected Trane as their service partner.

Enabling data capture and analysis

The existing third-party control points were integrated into a Trane
Tracer™ SC building automation system (BAS) and sent to the Trane
command center to analyze. The integration enabled Trane to capture
and measure energy data, giving insights into building operations and
energy use, and enabled Building Performance system analysis to help
increase energy efficiency, operational savings, and sustainability.

Assessing building performance, increasing equipment life

An initial Building Performance assessment revealed underlying
issues, including systems operating on a 24/7 schedule, fluid coolers
not operating properly, air handlers not economizing during low
temperatures, and variable air volume (VAV) boxes unable to control
set point. Using Building Performance data to prioritize
opportunities, Salt River Fields and Trane moved forward to correct
fluid cooler issues. Although the coolers were equipped with variable
frequency drives (VFDs), they were operating as an on/off solution,
causing undo wear and excessive energy consumption. Faced with the
options of reprogramming or replacing the existing cooler controls,
Salt River Fields reviewed a simple payback analysis with Return on
Investment (ROI), before choosing to replace the controls with a Trane
UC600 controller. The pre-package controller provides tower
optimization to help with building consistency, includes a one-year
warranty, and is remotely supported by the local Trane office through
Building Performance.

Optimizing operations

Using Tracer™ SC, facility managers reprogrammed VAV and air
handling unit schedules, eliminating multiple on-off schedules
previously controlling the equipment. Trane also proceeded with other
efficiency and comfort improvement opportunities, including the
investigation of air flow design issues, common heating and cooling
set points, improper exhaust box setup, and elimination of open-window
unit operation.

Reviewing performance for continuous improvement

Ongoing inspections keep systems running at their best. Trane BAS
service technicians notify Salt River Fields of upcoming visits, and
provide details regarding system reviews and scope of work, enabling
facility managers to alert personnel, address concerns, schedule
coaching, and prioritize opportunities. Alarm logs are reviewed to
identify critical events; heating/cooling system schedules are aligned
with facility use; repeated overrides are tracked to determine the
need for adjustments; and environmental sensors are checked for
accuracy, calibration and signs of potential failure. Operator
coaching and user support are provided to raise staff expertise in BAS
operation, align habits to best practices, and answer questions.

Maintaining mechanical systems to OEM standards

Trane protects and enhances system functionality by ensuring that
third-party HVAC equipment and components are well maintained and
functioning to original equipment manufacturer standards. Regular
inspections, maintenance, and preventive measures are completed based
on data collected by the energy management system. With continuous
analytics identifying issues requiring immediate attention, service
technicians focus their time and attention more productively.
Technician visits conclude with a summary of actions, findings,
professional insights and recommendations, allowing Salt River Fields
to plan and prioritize future service work.

Results

Integrating a new Trane Tracer SC controller with third-party
systems enabled Salt River Fields to more precisely control cooling
tower operations, resulting in less wear on equipment. With Trane
acting as a trusted advisor, Salt River Fields uses Intelligent
Services to proactively optimize facility operations and energy
management, using data and reports to make more informed decisions
regarding building operations, act on energy saving opportunities, and
validate performance. Trane technicians also use data obtained from
Building Performance to identify potential mechanical issues and
increase the productivity of their quarterly visits. “We’ve been able
to reduce our electric usage, and have fewer issues with our HVAC
equipment, which is lowering labor costs and maintenance bills. More
importantly, we are extending the life of our equipment,” said Jorge
Toro, facility maintenance manager, Salt River Fields. “Trane is
always on time with service and maintenance, very helpful and very proactive.”